3 Different Types of Material for Your Retaining Wall

Building a retaining wall is a great way to protect your yard from erosion and to provide sloping landscapes with more stability. However, before you start building your wall, you will need to decide which materials offer you the best support. There are many different materials for your retaining wall, and each comes with its own pros and cons. Here is a quick guide on each material to better help you choose what material you want to use for your home.

ConcreteInterlocking concrete slabs are the easiest materials to work with. They fit together with clips or pins, and many styles come with interlocking edges already built in. The slabs come in a variety of colors, giving you versatility in design, but you cannot use them for projects that are over 4 feet high without a permit. They are also more expensive than your stone and wood options, but you will save money on installation fees as they are easy to work with.

Natural StoneCheaper than their concrete counterparts, natural stone retaining walls are ideal for country and rustic style homes and landscapes. The stones come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, giving you multiple design options, and they require no cleaning or preservation treatments. Unfortunately, natural stones will not fit together as easily as concrete slabs, making the designing and building of your retaining wall more time consuming.

Wood & TimberIf cost is an issue, consider building your retaining wall with wood. Wood is the least expensive option and can be held together by simple hammer and nail. Although not as popular as stone and concrete options, wood works with all landscape styles and can easily be designed into angles and steps to give your yard more panache. Wood also offers the best support for your yard, and timber is a strong and popular option for tiered and stacked retaining walls. Just be aware that wood has a tendency to rot, which requires regular maintenance and treatment.

Before you start building, consult a home improvement store and masonry expert to make sure you are getting the right materials for your retaining wall. Insure that you have the proper tools and knowledge before kicking off your project. Consider hiring a professional if you are working with an unfamiliar material or if your project spans heights and widths you are not comfortable with.

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Comments (4)

Landscaping Dartmouth posted on: September 23, 2014

Good article on the various options available.

baidu posted on: April 27, 2015

nice post

Deanna R. Jones posted on: May 8, 2015

Thanks for the information! I didn't know that there are different types of materials to use for retaining walls other than concrete and stone. I've never seen a retaining wall made from wood. It's good to know that wood can be used as a non-costly way to build a wall. Natural stone seems like a material that's commonly used, so it seems like using wood would be a good way to add an unexpected element to my yard.

Kendall Ryder posted on: July 7, 2016

I love the way wood looks! A retaining wall that is made of wood just looks great, especially for cabins or cabin style homes. And another nice thing about wood is that there are so many different kinds to choose from! But whatever your style, I am sure it will look amazing!